Nearly 100 acres in Walpole conserved

WALPOLE — Not much has been changed about this Walpole property in many years. Large, mature trees dominate the landscape. The only structure on the entire plot is an old stone-lined spring. Part of the beauty of this property is how undisturbed it remains.

Now, thanks to a generous donor, the property will stay that way. Jane Skofield recently deeded the nearly 100 acres of land to the Monadnock Conservancy.

“I inherited the land from my uncle,” she said. ”I didn’t really need it, so I thought the Conservancy could use it.” Jane further remarked that she thought it was a good spot for wildlife.

Oak trees provide ample mast for critters who like acorns. Hop hornbeam nutlets are prized by ruffed grouse and are eaten by pheasants, finches, grosbeaks, rabbits, turkeys, and squirrels.

The property’s rich soil is the product of bedrock uncommonly high in calcium and undulating terrain. That, among other things, allows for a really diverse community of plants to grow — more so than your average New Hampshire forest.

“It’s unique to see all of that diversity packed into one spot,” reflected Rick Brackett of the Conservancy.